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Transcript of Presentation Tips. 185 Presentation Maximum length: 6 minutes. Pay attention to two minute and one...
Presentation TipsPresentation Tips
185 Presentation185 PresentationMaximum length: 6 minutes.Pay attention to two minute and
one minute warnings.Followed by a 2 minute question
and answer session.
““A Technical Subject”A Technical Subject”A little vague, isn’t it?
Basically, describe a process.
If you’re not sure if your topic is technical enough, ask.
Past TopicsPast Topics Constructing Germanium
Nanowires
How to detect and prevent cheating in online games
Path planning for multiple robots moving in formation
Eyeglass lens manufacture
How to build the frame of a house
Establishing a wireless network in a rural setting using Satellite DSL
The physics of automotive drift
Rendering realistic 3D landscapes
Artificial intelligence routines for Texas Hold 'Em
Quality Assurance Testing.
Collision detection in real-time multiplayer games
Plotting graphs using Microsoft Excel
How does BitTorrent work?
Using Maya animation software
Basic Presentation SkillsBasic Presentation SkillsVoice
Body Language
Appearance
VoiceVoiceVolume
◦Speak loudly enough for the back end of the room.
◦Don’t shout or whisper.
Speed◦Speak naturally.◦Don’t rush, or speak too slowly.
Breathe.Breathe.Practice deep breathing.
Breathe slowly and deliberately.
Practice delivering a single musical note for as long as possible.
Extra credit: Study meditation techniques.
Pronounce words clearly◦Enunciate consonants◦D-T◦G-K◦L-R◦B-P◦He stood on the balcony,
inexplicably mimicking him hiccuping, while amicably welcoming him in.
Body LanguageBody Language
Face the audience.◦If you must turn away, do so briefly.◦Don’t hide behind the podium.◦Keep your body open to the
audience.
Body language always says something.
◦Whether you mean it to or not.◦You can look formal, or casual.◦Or stiff, or sloppy.◦Always look aware and awake.
Hand GesturesHand Gestures
Keep hand gestures clear.◦Point distinctly.◦Use clean hand gestures.◦Try not to wave your hands
needlessly.
AppearanceAppearanceDress for the occasion.
◦What are others wearing?◦What do you feel comfortable in?◦What you wear can affect your
attitude.◦When in doubt, err on the side of
over-dressing.
PreparationPreparation
Outline the main objectives of the presentation.
Always know your opening line.
Follow your outline, don’t read from a script.
Rehearse in front of a mirror.
Rehearse in front of your peers.
Rehearse in front of anyone who’ll watch.◦Use feedback constructively.
PowerPoint/Slide PowerPoint/Slide PresentationsPresentationsUseful, but frequently troublesome.
Use slides to prompt points of discussion, not as your script.
Don’t cram too much onto one page.◦Two or three bullet points per page is
usually enough.
Use clear graphics.◦Will they make sense to a non-
expert?◦Are they large enough?◦Will they still be clear when
projected on a screen?◦Do they contain more information
than you can cover?
Presentation StructurePresentation StructureGreet the audience.Introduce yourself.
◦Keep your introduction short.◦Tell the audience what they need to
know about you.Introduce your subject.
◦Tell the audience what you’re going to talk about.
◦Then talk about it.
Be prepared for questions.◦Answer what you can.◦Be honest about what you can’t
answer.◦Ask friends and colleagues in the
audience to help you out. When in the audience yourself, help out
your friends and colleagues.
Troublesome questions◦If an answer requires a lengthy
response, offer to talk after the presentation.
◦Be prepared for hostile questions. Maintain your composure.
◦Sometimes the Q&A session turns into an opportunity for commentary. Be respectful of dissenting views. You are the moderator. Control the room.
ContentContent
Frame your message.◦Especially if it is legally or socially
controversial.◦Don’t directly advocate unethical
actions.◦Be aware of your audience.
But don’t assume too much. Expect unexpected reactions from your
audience.
Selling your idea or product?◦Address the merits and limitations of
your subject.◦Don’t underestimate your audience.
Live DemonstrationsLive DemonstrationsAre you demonstrating how to use a program?
A tool? A process?
This is, for practical purposes, a performance.◦ Rehearse each step.◦ If possible, rehearse each step on the same
equipment, in the same space as your presentation.◦ Leave as little as possible to chance.◦ Be prepared for malfunctions – have something to say
throughout.◦ Keep it simple. It’s a demonstration, not a lesson.
Class rule: Nothing dangerous or foul-smelling, please.
HumorHumorCan be useful to deliver a point.
◦But can backfire if the joke isn’t funny.
Choose appropriate material.
Let the audience laugh - don’t cut them off.◦What one group finds funny, the next
may not.
Remember:Remember:Your audience is not a group of
professional speakers.◦ They don’t expect you to be perfect.◦ They can sympathize with any nervousness.◦ You can correct any minor mistakes as you
go along.
Check out the space beforehand.◦ Examine the size, the seating.◦ Look at the technical equipment. ◦ If possible, test it out beforehand.
Practice.Practice.Practice.
Beyond all else, convey your message.